Signal code sending system with auxiliaries



Aug. 18 1942. .1. H. WHEELOCK SIGNAL CODE SENDING SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARIES 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 21

rzwa'rzzr: JoH/v Pf. 'WHEELOQKJ Aug. 18, 1942. J H WHEELOCK 2,293,525

SIGNAL CODE SENDING SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARIES Filed Aug. 21, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 J ref/Enter.-

JOHN if. WHEELocK,

Aug. 18, 1942. H, WHEMCK 2,293,525

SIGNAL CODE SENDING SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARIES Filed Aug. 21, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 JOHN P]. WH w c Patented Au 18, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SIGNAL CODE SENDING SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARIES chusetts Application August 21, 1939, Serial No. 291,192

7 Claims.

The present invention relates to a signal code impulse transmitting system for controlling the operation of suitable devices for sounding or displaying signals at different locations throughout a building, or other establishment in which the system is installed. Calling and locating individuals by code number, or transmission of special signals, are Well known uses of such a system.

The object of the invention is to provide a signal system of the above indicated character, that incorporates certain auxiliary devices, whereby the system is adapted to operate selectively in a manner differing from the usual transmission of a predetermined number of rounds of code sequences, in accordance with a given code setting. By reason of the different conditions that it is possible to set up in the system, as hereinafter described, any one of the following operations may take place:

(a) Transmission of code sequences for a predetermined number of rounds, in response to operation of a selected code determining member, or transmission of the same code sequences continuously.

(12) Transmission of a predetermined number of special signal impulses automatically following the transmission of each separate code sequence, as in (a).

(c) Interruption of the transmission of code sequences at the end of one or more complete rounds, as in (a) such interruption being under the control of the operator independently of the code determining member.

(d) Transmission of special signal impulses alone, without the transmission of code sequences.

The several modes of operation summarized above, will next be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a diagrammatic view, illustrating the system in its normal, non-operating condition.

Fig. 2 illustrates the system of Fig. l, operating to transmit a code sequence.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view, illustrating the continuous transmission of code sequences under the control of the operator.

Fig, 4 is a fragmentary view, illustrating the transmission of special signal impulses.

Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrammatic views, illustrating the interruption of the transmission of code sequences, at the end of a complete round.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view, showing the mechanical relation between certain parts of the system.

Figs. 8 and 9 are fragmentary views, illustrating details of the key mechanisms employed.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the system includes a code determining device of any suitable type, which is shown, for purposes of illustration, as comprising a key K, manually operable to set up different code combinations, with respect to associated contacts k--l, k2, lc3, etc. The key-operated contacts lcl, lc-Z, 7c--3, etc. are connected to correspondingly designated contacts c-l, c2, etc. of a commutating device 0. The contacts c-l, c2, etc. are in the form of projections spaced around the periphery of a ring I and insulated from each other, and an arm 2 mounted on a shaft 3 passing through the ring, is adapted to successively bear on the contacts 0-], 0-2, etc. The construction of the key K with its associated latching device is shown on an enlarged scale in Fig. 8, the key being adapted to function as more fully described in Burdick Patent No. 1,823,585, issued September 15, 1931, for Code setting device for signal systems.

A motor M serves to drive the shaft 3 which carries a second arm 4, adapted to bear successively on a series of contacts 5 formed on a ring 6 parallel to the ring I, with the contacts 5 all connected to the ring 6. The arms 2 and 4 are connected together so as to turn in unison with the shaft 3, as shown in Fig, '7, with both arms being insulated from the shaft. The ring 6 is connected by a conductor 1, to a pair of spaced master contacts 8, adapted to be bridged by a member 9 mounted on a pivoted arm It.

The arm 10 provides an extension Illa bearing on a disk II, also mounted on the shaft 3. The disk ll provides a series of projections l2, having the same general form as the contacts 5 0n ring 6, and the contacts cl, c2, etc. on ring I, although spanning a smaller angle than the ring contacts, measured in either direction of the rotation of the shaft 3. As a result of this angular relation between projections 12 and 5, the circuit between the master contacts 8 is made and broken by the bridging member 9, while the arms 2 and 4 are successively in engagement with the contacts c-I, c-Z, etc., and with contacts 5, whereby all arcing is restricted to the master contacts 8, during operation of the commutating device C.

The motor driven shaft 3 is connected to a control shaft I3 through reduction gearing l4, so that the shaft [3 makes a predetermined number of revolutions, three, as shown, for each revolution of the shaft 3. The shaft I 3 carries a motor control cam l5, providing a notch 16 in its periphery, in which is normally received the free end of a movable contact H, which is maintained out of engagement with a stationary contact l8 as long as the end of the contact I! remains in the cam notch 35. One terminal of the motor M is connected to a supply main S energized from a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown, while the other motor terminal is connected by a conductor ii) to the stationary contact IS. The movable contact I! is connected by a conductor 20 to a second supply main S energized from the same source as the main S, so that closure of the contacts ill and i8 by the control cam I5, is adapted to maintain a circuit for themotor M during substantially one complete revolution of the control shaft l3. 7

The motor control contacts l'! and 18 are connected in parallel to a pair of normally open contacts 2! and 22, respectively, under the .control of a motor holding key 23. The key 23: provides a rotatable eccentric portion 2 1, on which bears a flexible portion of the contact 22, and with the key 23 in its normal horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 1, the contacts 2| and 22 are disengaged. Turning of the key 23 to the position of Fig. 3, causes the eccentric portion 24 to close the contacts 2! and 22, thereby maintaining the motor circuit, irrespective of the relative position of the control contacts l7 and it, to cause continuous operation of the commutating device C, as will be hereinafter described.

A starting contact 25 is connected to the conductor I9, between the motor terminal and contact l8, and this contact 25 is adapted to be engaged by the key K when the latter is pressed all the way in, as indicated in dotted lines, inFig. 8, to initiate the sending of a code sequencei The key contact ki is connected by a conductor 26 to one of a pair of normally closed contacts 2? and 2%, with the contact 28 connected at junction point 29 to the conductor as leading to the main S. Therefore, the key contact lc-l is normally energized from the supply main S, and depression of the key K to engage the starting contact 2 5, is adapted to complete a momentary starting circuit for the motor M, to initiate the transmission of code sequences, as will be hereinafter described.

The normally closed contacts 2! and 23 are under control of a code-interrupting key 36 connected to a rotatable cam portion 3!, on which a flexible portion of the contact 2'! bears, while still in engagement with the stationary contact 28. A pivoted latch 32 normally bears on the cam portion 3i under the pull of a spring 33, so that when the cam BI is turned to the position of Fig. 5, by the key 30, the end of the latch'32 engages a notch 35 to lock the key in position. If, however, a code sequence is being transmitted when the key 39 is so operated, as indicated in Fig. 5, the resulting deflection of contact 21 does not immediately separate it from the stationary contact 28, due to the fact that a pivoted finger 35 is held against the contact 27 by a spring 33, having a stronger pull than the partially deflected contact 2? as long as the opposite end of the finger 35 rides on the concentric surface of a cam 3}, driven from an extension of the shaft 3. However, as the commutator shaft 3 completes one revolution, a. projection 31m on the cam 31, turns the finger 35 to the position of Fig. 6, thereby permittingthe previously partially flexed contactZl to be completely flexed and thereby separate itself from the stationary contact 29. This'breaks the circuit. connecting the key contact k.-'-l.tojthe supply.main #3, so that no code signals can be transmitted during the next revolution of the shaft 3, for a purpose which will be hereinafter described. It is to be noted that with the contact 2'! completely flexed, as shown in Fig. 6, the spring 35 is not strong enough to reclose the contacts 2? and 28 until the keyoperated cam 35 is returned to the position of Fig. 1.

Referring again to Fig. 1, it will be seen that the commutator ring I provides a number of extra contacts 38, arranged more closely than the regular coding contacts cl, c2, etc. These extra contacts 38 are connected to spaced stationary contacts 39, and a correspondingly spaced series of contacts 50 are independently movable to engage the contacts 39, with the contacts is connected by a common conductor 4! to the supply main S. For the purpose of selectively operating the contacts 49, an auxiliary signalling key 52 is provided, on which is mounted a longitudinally movable shifting portion 4-3. Normally, the key 42' is held retracted by a spring il, so that its shifting portion 43 is out of'engagement with the movable contacts 9. The actual relation between the contacts to and the key portion 433 is shown in perspective in Fig. 9.

The shifting portion 63 provides notches 55, having the same spacing as the contacts 39, and a pivoted latch 46 is biased toward the notches by a spring M. With the parts in the position Fig. 1, a cam 48 mounted on an extension of the control shaft l3, holds the latch 45 away from the shifting portion 43, so that the latch 25 cannot normally engage the notches 45. Depression of the auxiliary key 42 to the position of Fig. 4, is adapted to move the first two contacts lil into engagement with the corresponding contacts 39, with the then freed latch 45 serving to engage the second notch 45 to hold the key 42 in its depressed position. Therefore, as the 2 passes over the first three extra contacts 38, at the end of a code sequence, three closely spaced current impulses will be transmitted to the supply main S, as hereinafter described in detail.

The system also provides a master relay R, providing a winding 49, having one terminal thereof connected to the supply main S. The other terminal of winding is is connected to one master contact 8 of the commutator device C, so that closing and opening of the contacts 8 by the bridging member 9-, will result in successive energizations and deenergizations of the mes ter relay R, in accordance with the previously selected connection of either the code contacts cl, c-2, etc, or the extra contacts to the supply main S.

The master relay R provides relatively movable contacts 58, one of which is connected to the supply main S, while the other is connected. to the supply main S, in circuit with suitable signals 5!, such as bells, horns or lamps. Consequently, successive energizations and deenergizations of the master relay winding 49, will cause operation of the signals 5i, either in accordance with a code sequence under the control of key K, or in accordance with a series of closely spaced impulses under the control of the auxiliary signal key $2, with provision being made for transmitting code impulses or special impulses, either separately or in succession. Having 'set forth the arrangement and function of the Various devices entering into the system, the operation thereof will next be described, under the conditions previously set forth,

(A) Transmission of code sequences Upon depression of the key K, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 8, a momentary starting circuit is established at contact 25. The motor starting current then flows through the key K, conductor 26, and the engaged contacts 21 and 28 to supply main S. As soon as the motor M starts, turning of the cam I5, driven from the motor shaft 3 through the reduction gearing I4, closes contacts I! and I8, which maintain the motor circuit through the conductors I9 and 28 to the supply main S through one complete revolution of the cam I5, which corresponds to three complete revolutions of the motor shaft 3, as illustrated.

The motor starting circuit through the key actuated contact 25, is immediately broken upon release of the key K, which then becomes latched in code determining position, as indicated in Fig. 2, with the end of the key out of engagement with contact 25. With the key K in code determining position, as shown in Fig. 2, the contacts k3 and k--4, become energized from the supply main S through the common contact 70-4, the selection of contacts shown being chosen to provide for the transmission of the code signal sequence corresponding to the numeral twelve. Obviously, correspondingly positioned contacts c--I, c-3 and c4 of the commutating device 0, will also be energized from the supply main S, through the connections between the code determining device and these contacts.

As the motor shaft 3 rotates, the connected arms 2 and 4 successively bear upon the contacts c-I, c-2, etc. and the contacts 5, so that the ring 6 becomes connected to the supply main S at intervals determined by the arrangement of the energized key-actuated contacts k-I, k-2, etc. Shortly after the arm 2 rides up on the first contact c--I the extension I a of arm I 0 also rides up on the first projection I2 on the disk II, 50 as to close the circuit between the master contact members 8. When this occurs, the circuit through the winding 49 of the master relay R, is completed, thereby energizing the signals 5| to transmit the first impulse of the code sequence. Since the projections I2 on the master contact disk I I have a smaller angular span than the contacts c-I, c2, etc., the circuit of the winding 49 is broken at the master contacts 8, before the arms 2 and 4 pass off their contacts; as a result, no arcing can take place at the ring contacts.

Continued rotation of the arm 2 to engage contacts c-2, c3, and c-4, will result in the transmission of a second and third signal impulse, with a space between the first and second impulses to correspond to the signal sequence twelve. This signal sequence will be repeated as the shaft 3 makes a second and third revolution, assuming that the ratio of the gearing between the shafts 3 and I3 is three to one, as shown. As the shaft 3 completes its third revolution, the movable contact II enters the notch I6 on the periphery of the control cam I5, thereby separating contact H from contact I8, to break the motor circuit. The parts of the system thereupon come to rest in the position of Fig. 1, even though the key K remains in its latched position. The particular latching arrangement for the key K is shown merely for illustrative purposes, since the invention contemplates the use of any desired type of code determining device providing means for setting up different contact combinations in cooperation With the commutating device 0.

During the transmission of signal impulses in accordance with the selected code sequence, as described above, turning of the arm 2 causes the extra contacts 38 to be successively engaged and disengaged, but such cooperation with the contacts 38 has no effect on the master relay winding 49, since the contacts 39 are not connected to the main S, except when the auxiliary key 42 is depressed.

In order to cause code sequences to be sounded continuously, following depression of a key K, as previously described, the motor holding key 23 is turned as shown in Fig. 3, to cause the eccentric portion 24 to close contacts 2| and 22. Obviously, as long as the key 23 remains in the position of Fig. 3, the control contacts I1 and I8 will be short circuited, and the motor M will continue to operate so as to cause the transmission of code sequences for any desired number of rounds. When the key 23 is turned back to the position of Fig. 1, the system will be restored to its normal non-operating condition when the movable contact I! is next received in the depression I6 on the motor control cam I 5. The system is then in readiness to transmit a new series of code sequences, as well as to transmit a predetermined number of special signal impulses, as will next be described.

(B) Transmission 0) special signal impulses Under some conditions, it may be desired to transmit a number of extra, or special, signal impulses, following the transmission of code sequences. For example, three quick signal impulses following the transmission of a code sequence, may be taken to indicate that the person whose code is transmitted is wanted immediately ataparticular location.

Let it now be assumed that the operator wishes to transmit the code sequence thirteen, followed by the special signal three. To this end, the key K bearing the proper designation, is first depressed to start the motor in operation, as previously described, so that the resulting functioning of the commutating device C will automatically cause the code sequence thirteen to be transmitted three times. Then, as soon as the code sequence starts, as indicated by operation of the signal 5|, the operator pushes in the key 42, until it occupies the position Fig. 4, wherein the first two contacts 40 have been shifted by the portion 43, to engage the corresponding stationary contacts 39. By this time, turning of the cam 48 has freed the lower end of the latch 46, so that the spring 41 is adapted to force the end of the latch 46 into the second notch 45.

With the key 42 latched in the position of Fig. 4, it is obvious that at the end of each round of code sequences, the commutator arm 2 will engage the extra contacts 38. Therefore, as the arm 2 passes over the first three contacts 38, three closely spaced signal impulses will be transmitted by the signals 5|, due to the connection of the contacts 38 to the supply main S, and these special signal impulses will be again transmitted, at the completion of each code sequence. As the system is restored to its normal non-operating condition, through stoppage of the motor by the control cam I5, the latch 46 will be automatically withdrawn from the engaged notch 45 on the key-shifting portion 43 by functioning of the cam 48, thereby permitting the spring 44 to return the key 42 to its original position, as shown in Fig. 1, and

preventing accidental transmission of the special signal impulses.

As previously pointed out, the system also .provides means whereby. the transmission of code sequences can be interrupted at the end of one or more complete rounds, Without disturbing the setting of the code determining key, and the functioningof the system under this condition, will next be described.

(C) Interruption of the transmission of code sequences Should the operator desire to interrupt the transmission of code sequences, due to the fact that the party whose code number has been called answers the phone promptly, the key 30 is turned; to the position of Fig. 5. When this occurs, the cam-portion 34' deflects the free end of contact 2! downwardly, and the! latch 32 under the pull of spring'3:3, engages the notch 34 on the cam portion, to lock the key 3!! in the position of Fig. 5. If, however,- code sequence is being transmitted whenthekey 33; is so turned, the initial deflection of contact 21 does not immediately separate it from contact 28, due to thefact that the finger 35 is held by the spring 36 against the contact 21 nearits point of engagement with contact 28, as long as the opposite end of the finger rides on the concentric surface of the cam 31, as indicated in Fig. 5.

As thecommutator arm 2 completes one revolution, and there occurs a pause in the transmissionof signals before the beginning of another code sequence, a projection 31a. on the cam '31,- turns the finger 35 into the position of Fig.- 6, thereby permitting the previously flexed contact 21 to separate itself from the stationary contact 28. This immediately disconnects the key-actuated contact lcl from the supply main S, so that as the commutator arm 2 makes its nfixt complete revolution, no code signals willbe transmitted. As the projection 31a passes from under the finger 35, the finger will not be able to reclose the contacts 21 and 28', because the cam portion 3| of the key'30 is then latched in the contact-opening position, with the contact 21 fully flexed, as compared to its partial fiexure shown in Fig. 5.

However, as the motor M is automatically stopped at the end of the last complete revolution'of the commutator arm2, a cam 52 driven from an extension of the'control shaft I3, moves the latch, 32 tothe position of Fig. 1, whereby it is withdrawn from. the cam notch 34. A coil spring 53 is then free to return the key 30 to its originalposition, in engagement with a stop pin, 54, thereby permitting the contact 21 to reengage: contact, 28, and'restore the energizing circuit of the code determining contact k With the latch 32 under the control of cam 52, it;is obvious that the. latch will be rendered ineffective to engage the cam portion 3l' while the motor M remains stationary. Therefore, any accidental turningof the key 30 while the. system isona non-operating condition, will have no effect, since the disconnection of the key contact k-l can be effected only after the motor M has started, and only at the end of the transmissin, of a complete round. The possibility of thus deenergizing thecommon key contact k-I:as soon as the motor. M starts to rotate, makes it possible'to. transmit a series of special signals alone, without being. preceded by a code sequence, as will next be described.

Transmission of special signal impulses alone Should it be desired at any time to indicate the existence of an emergency in the. establishment in which the system is. installed, without transmitting a preliminary code sequence, the operator first turns, key 30 to the position. of Fig. 6,,to separate the contacts 21 and 28; and holds it in this position until turning. of the key 23 has started the motor M,,as may be indicated by the illumination of asuitable lamp 55. Since rotation of the cam 52 immediately-permits the latch 32 to lock the key 30 in its turned position, the transmission of any code impulses is prevented as the commutator arm 2 turns, even 7 though a key K may have been left in code .determining position. The key 42 is then pushed in to engage the desired notch 45 with the .then effective latch 46, so that as the commutator arm 2' completes each revolution, the special signals will be sounded rapidly as the arm 2 passes over the extra contacts 38. Should the key 23 be then opened, the special signals. will be transmitted for three rounds.

I claim:

1. In a signal sendingsystem, the combination with a code setting device and means for transmitting a code sequence for a predetermined number of rounds, in responseto initial actuation of a code determining member of saiddevice, of means cooperating with said. transmitting means and operable independently of said determining member for causing the transmission of a predetermined numberof additional signal impulses at the end of eachround of code impulses and means for automatically rendering said additional impulse transmitting means inefiective after a predetermined number of rounds of'code impulses. n

2. Ina signal sending system, thecombination with a code setting device and means for transmitting a code sequence for a predetermined number of rounds, in response to. initial actuation of a codedetermining member of said device, of means cooperating with said transmitting means andoperable independently of said determining member and at any timeduring the transmission of code sequences, for causing the transmission of additional signalimpulses. at the end of each round of code impulses and means for automatically rendering said additional impulse transmitting means inefiective after axpredetermined number of rounds of code impulses.

3; In a signal sending system, the combination with a code setting device and means .for transmitting a code sequence for a predetermined number of rounds, in response to initial actuation of a code determining member of said device, .of means cooperating with said transmitting means and operable independently of said determining member and at any time. during the transmission of code sequences, for causingthe transmission of a predetermined number of additional signal impulses, either alone, or at thecompletion of each round of code impulses and means for automatically rendering. said additional impulse trans:

mitting means. inefjective after a predetermined number of rounds of code impulses.

4. In a signal sending. system, the combination with a code setting device and means fortransmitting a code sequence for.v a predetermined number of rounds, in response toinitial actuation of a code determining member of said device, .of means for interrupting the transmission of code impulses at the end of one or more complete rounds, and means cooperating with said transmitting means for causing the transmission of a predetermined number of additional signal impulses having a timing different from said code impulses, said additional signal impulses being transmittable despite previous interruption of said code impulses.

5. In a signal sending system, the combination with a code setting device and means for transmitting a code sequence for a predetermined number of rounds, in response to initial actuation of a code determining member of said device, of means for interrupting the transmission of code impulses at the end of one or more complete rounds and. means cooperating with said transmitting means for causing the transmission of, for any desired number of rounds, a predetermined number of signal impulses having a timing difierent from said code impulses, said additional signal impulses being transmittable despite previous interruption of said code impulses.

6. In a signal sending system, the combination with a code setting device and an impulse transmitting device set in operation by the initial actu-- ation of a code determining member of said setting device for transmitting the selected code sequence for a predetermined number of rounds, of a member manually operable independently of said code determining member at any time during the transmission of code sequences, for subsequently causing interruption of the transmission of code sequences only after completion of the particular round being transmitted when said member is operated and a second member manually operable independently of said code determining member for causing the transmission of special signal impulses despite the interruption of the transmission of code sequences by said first-named member.

7. In a signal sending system, the combination with a code setting device and an impulse transmitting device set in operation by the initial actuation of a code determining member of said setting device for transmitting the selected code sequence for a predetermined number of rounds, of a member manually operable independently of said code determining member at any time during the transmission of code sequences, for subsequently causing the transmission of additional signal impulses at the end of each round of code impulses, said additional impulses being initially transmitted only after the completion of the particular round being transmitted when said member is operated and means dependent upon operation of said transmitting device over a predetermined number of rounds for automatically restoring said last-named member to its initial nonoperating position.

JOHN H. WHEELOCK. 

